Exclusive Interviews

Exclusive: UFC Fighter Roland Delorme talks TUF and UFC on FOX 3

Only three weeks away from UFC on Fox 3, the organization announced that Johnny Bedford had been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bantamweight bout with Nick Denis due to an injury. Filling the vacant spot left by Bedford will be none other than TUF 14 alumni, Roland Delorme.

Delorme is coming off a submission victory in his UFC debut at the TUF 14 season finale on Dec 3rd. Roland, who is 7-1 in his MMA career, took the time to talk to us about his upcoming fight and what it was like to be a member on The Ultimate Fighter show.

Chris: Hey Roland, thanks again for taking the time to talk to us. You announced recently that you will be fighting at UFC on FOX 3. How did this come about on such short notice?

Roland: I’ve been staying in shape just in case something like this came up. I had a feeling that I would be taking a short notice fight, then Bedford got hurt and here I am ready for war!

Chris: How much do you know about your opponent Nick Denis, and what will it take to defeat him on May 5th?

Roland: I know quite a bit about Nick actually. I’ve wanted this fight for two years! I have seen a bunch of his fights and I’ve been studying him for a long time. If I want to be victorious, I will have to avoid his power and make it an uncomfortable fight for him.
Chris: This is your 1st fight since December of last year. Where are you training out of for the fight? Are you still based out of WAMMA in Winnipeg?

Roland: I’m still in Winnipeg, it’s my home and Wamma is my family. If you knew me, you would know I’m loyal to death to wammillia! We are brothers and help each other get better at any cost.

Chris: You are taking this fight on 3 weeks notice, how will this affect your training and weight cut?

Roland: My weight is always good. When I’m training I never get over 155, so that part is easy. As for the training, it’s all the same.. work my ass off!

Chris: What was it like to be a cast member on the Ultimate Fighter Season 14? How beneficial was the experience in regards to you becoming a better mixed martial artist?

Roland: Being on the show was a real confidence booster for me. I was training with some of the best guys in the world and realized I could compete with those guys no problem. Proving to myself more than anything, that I’m on that level. Having a great group of coaches helped my game so much and till this day I am thankful for that! As well as the opportunity that was given to me.

Chris: How has your life changed since the show?
Roland: Since the show my life hasn’t really changed. I get noticed a bit here and there which is cool, but I’m still broke as fuck so I know I still have a hard road ahead of me. I suffer now so I won’t have to in the future. That’s the way I see it.

Chris: You scored a 3rd round submission victory over Josh Ferguson in your UFC debut. How good did it feel to get that 1st UFC victory under your belt?
Roland: That victory felt great, but the second will solidify me as a real threat in the division! That is what I’m really looking for. That fight is in the past and I’m looking toward the future.
Chris: That’s a great mindset to have. Well thanks again for taking the time to talk with me. I can’t wait to see you throw down on May 5th. You will have a lot of supporters from Winnipeg behind you, including myself! Any last words from Mr. Delorme?
Roland: I want to thank everyone who helped me for this fight! I’m either gonna win or get knocked out trying! You can’t take anything from someone who has nothing and when you have nothing your fighting for everything!

Be sure to catch Roland as he takes on Nick Denis May5th in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The fight will be broadcast online as part of the Facebook prelims for UFC on Fox 3.

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